Swapping roles at St. Catherine’s

May 1, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Simon Soliven, 9, a fourth grade cadet stands in front of his Regiment making sure they keep order during the Military Reports ceremony at the St. Catherine's Academy Boxing Day event. JESSICA RUBIO, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The kindergartens of St. Catherine's stand in front of the audiences after they are presented with ribbons acknowledging their scholastic achievments. JESSICA RUBIO, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Simon Soliven, 9, a fourth grade cadet stands in front of his regiment making sure they keep order during the Military Reports ceremony. JESSICA RUBIO, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Pablo De Anda, 11, left, a fifth-grade cadet, stands in line as the regiment executive officer for the day during the Militray Reports ceremony. JESSICA RUBIO, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Cadets retire the colors before dismissal to conclude the Military Reports ceremony and the first Boxing Day. JESSICA RUBIO, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Simon Soliven, 9, a fourth grade cadet stands in front of his Regiment making sure they keep order during the Military Reports ceremony at the St. Catherine's Academy Boxing Day event. JESSICA RUBIO, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The younger cadets of St. Catherine's Academy in Anaheim filled big shoes Friday, switching roles with the cadet leadership for the day.

"I took charge," said Simon Soliven, 9, a fourth grader at St. Catherine's. "My company was kind of going a little crazy at first and it just takes leadership."

Soliven assumed the position of D-Company commanding officer during Boxing Day and said his favorite part of the tradition was "just taking charge."

This is St. Catherine's first year school honoring the British military tradition know as "Boxing Day," in which the youngest deserving cadets in grades three through six assume command of the regiment, or the entire group, to gain a sense of leadership.

"I had a high rank and I finally got a leadership position," said fifth-grader Pablo De Anda, 11. "I also gave orders."

De Anda assumed the position of regiment executive officer for the day and is proud of his leadership accomplishments and being able to control his group.

The swap began first thing in the morning at the Regiment formation for morning colors, and concluded at the Military Reports assembly, a school congregation honoring cadets for their academic excellences and good behavior. Military Reports is held every four weeks at the all-boys Catholic school, awarding cadets with medals and ribbons of achievement and recognizing the Cadet of the Month.

Know for its self-disciplined teaching strategies, respect and leadership to its students, St. Catherine's requires cadets in grades three and above to participate in daily marching and drill exercises.

The school offers cadets kindergarten through eighth-grade both day and boarding military program opportunities, teaching them life skills, leadership, teamwork, organization and following directions.

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